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Nigerians across social media are mourning the death of fast-rising singer Ifunanya Nwagene, known professionally as Nanyah.
Reports say the 26-year-old singer died after a snake bite at her home in Abuja. The incident happened in the early hours of Saturday, January 31, 2026.
Snake Bite Incident in Abuja
According to available information, a snake bit Nanyah while she was at home. After the bite, she reportedly drove herself to two different hospitals to seek urgent medical care.
However, social media users claimed that both hospitals lacked the required antivenom. As a result, she could not receive immediate treatment.
Meanwhile, a video that later went viral showed a man holding a live cobra. Voices in the background expressed shock at the incident.
Hospitals Reportedly Lacked Antivenom
A close friend and music director, Sam Ezugwu, said Nanyah first visited a nearby clinic. The clinic reportedly had no antivenom.
She then moved to another hospital. Although the hospital had one type of antivenom, it lacked another required dose.
According to him, doctors tried to stabilize her condition. However, she struggled to breathe and could not speak clearly. She could only make hand gestures.
Later, efforts to find the missing antivenom failed. Sadly, she died before treatment became available.
The hospital involved has been contacted for comments.
Friends Describe Nanyah as a Rising Star
Friends and colleagues described Nanyah as talented, humble, and dedicated to her music.
One friend said she planned to hold her first solo concert later in 2026. Another friend explained that she was sleeping when the snake bite woke her.
Reports also revealed that two snakes were later found inside her home.
That night, members of her choir gathered at the hospital. They hoped for a miracle. Sadly, the situation ended in grief.
Public Anger Over Healthcare Gaps
Following her death, many Nigerians expressed anger online. They questioned why hospitals in a major city lacked antivenom.
Medical doctor and health educator Chinonso Egemba, also known as Aproko Doctor, described the death as painful. He urged Nigerians to demand basic healthcare services from leaders.
He noted that snake bites happen worldwide. However, deaths remain rare where antivenom is readily available.
He also raised concerns about locally developed antivenom for Nigerian snakes. He questioned why such treatments were unavailable in emergency facilities.
Calls for Stronger Primary Healthcare
Health experts stressed the importance of basic medical readiness. They highlighted the need for antivenom, oxygen, and trained personnel in primary healthcare centers.
According to them, emergency care should not fail due to missing basic supplies. They also warned that many similar deaths may go unreported.
Who Was Ifunanya Nwagene (Nanyah)?
Ifunanya Nwagene was a 26-year-old singer from Enugu State. She lived in Abuja before her death.
She performed classical, jazz, RnB, and soul music. She also trained as an architect and graduated from the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus.
During her university years, she served as a choir mistress at St. Mulumba’s Catholic Chaplaincy. She later appeared on The Voice Nigeria.
What to Do After a Snake Bite
The World Health Organization advises the following steps after a snake bite:
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Move away from the snake immediately
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Remove tight items near the bite area
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Keep the victim calm and still
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Take the person to a health facility quickly
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Apply pressure to the wound
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Avoid herbal remedies
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Use paracetamol for pain if needed
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Turn the victim sideways if vomiting starts
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Monitor breathing until help arrives
